Government announces completion of initial roadworks to reduce traffic congestion

12 : 00 AM - 20/06/2017

Manama, June 19 (BNA): In response to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister’s directives to reduce traffic congestion across the Kingdom, the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf has confirmed that the first phase of initial works has been completed following the installation of an additional U-turn lane along the Financial Harbour interchange.

The Financial Harbour interchange project, which comprises an additional U-turn lane and central reservation, is expected to reduce average trip times by 20 per cent, from 93 seconds per visit to 72. The first phase of the project completed within three months, with the further extension works due to start in Q4 2017.

Commenting on the project, the Minister said: "King Faisal Highway is an important link to the heart of Manama and therefore directly impacts the city in terms of commercial activity, the economy and tourism. In providing this much-needed new interchange, vehicle users will now benefit from reduced traffic and improved access to the Diplomatic Area, the Financial Harbour, Central Manama and Muharraq."

Consistent with the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the minister confirmed that the Ministry submitted a series of projects for review by the Executive Committee, which has subsequently approved 11 urgent projects to be delivered. In addition to the short term projects, a comprehensive planning process has been implemented to ensure the Kingdom’s strategic road network is able to accommodate increased urban expansion, with the process due to be completed within 3 to 5 years. This strategic planning process includes a proposal to expand Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman highway in both directions to four lanes, and to improve the road’s intersections.

The Ministry of Works seeks to expand Bahrain’s road networks in-line with international standards, to further enhance Bahrain’s investment environment.